Tag: Westmoreland

PLEASE take time to comment on Proposed Changes that the Commonwealth is planning to make on individuals with an intellectual disability.

These changes will eliminate an individual’s CHOICE on where they want to work.

The deadline to comment is January 17, 2017.

Here is the information that you can use to comment on these changes.

As a concerned resident of the Commonwealth, I would like to take this opportunity to Comment on Appendices A through H of the Consolidated and Person/Family Directed Support Waiver Renewals, effective July 1, 2017 (PA Bulletin, Doc. No. 16-2086). My comment will specifically focus on Appendix C pertaining to the service known as “Community Participation”.

I firmly believe that ALL individuals with developmental disabilities should have a CHOICE to achieve greater independence and opportunity in their lives. As you are well aware, this is also the mission of the Office of Developmental Programs. The most important piece of this statement is CHOICE. I do not agree with limitations placed on ones CHOICE in Appendix C pertaining to Community Participation.

The following limitations placed on attendance in Vocational or Adult Training Facility settings take away ones CHOICE.

From 1/1/18 to 6/30/18, a participant may not receive Community Participation Support services in a licensed Adult Training Facility or a licensed Vocational Facility for more than 75 percent of his or her support time, on average, per week.

From 7/1/18 to 12/31/18, a participant may not receive Community Participation Support services in a licensed Adult Training Facility or a licensed Vocational Facility for more than 50 percent of his or her support time, on average, per week.

Starting 1/1/19, a participant may not receive Community Participation Support services in a licensed Adult Training Facility or a licensed Vocational Facility for more than 25 percent of his or her support time, on average, per week.

The amount of time an individual wants to attend Vocational or Adult Training Facility settings should be the CHOICE of each individual and should not be mandated.

Thanks to the District 14-E Lions Club (Westmoreland County) who recently donated a check to the Westmoreland County Blind Association in the amount of $3,240 for equipment needed in our Work Activity Center!

Our Shredding Department has many options to fit your document or hard drive destruction needs. Whether you are a large company, small business, or have your own personal documents, no job is too big or small! By selecting WCBA as your document destruction service, you will be supporting our employees with visual, intellectual and/or developmental disabilities to help maintain their independence and productivity.

For many, finding meaningful employment in today’s economic climate is difficult and have diminished employment opportunities in our community. It is through the kindness of our neighbors that the WCBA mission endures!

We are in need of volunteers for answering telephones and/or stuffing envelopes for our direct mailing projects. The work would be performed during our business hours of 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Shifts are very flexible and based on your preferred days and times. Contact Rebecca Labuda, Human Resources Coordinator at 724-837-1250 ext 14 to learn more.

We have a variety of sponsorships available for the WCBA’s “Visions of Springtime” fundraiser! The participation of businesses and individuals is critical to the success of our annual gala and greatly appreciated.

Please consider showing your support by choosing an advertising package or by donating items used for raffle prizes. Use this link or download the flyer below to learn more.

September is Hunger Action Month. The WCBA participated in the campaign to lend a hand to the Westmoreland County Food Bank. Non-perishable items were collected from employees to help their cause, “Ending Hunger Here at Home”. Visit the Facebook photo album to see more.

In light of the recent tragedy in Orlando, Florida our Adult Training Facility individuals have requested to hold a Bake Sale/Lunch with all proceeds being donated to the victims and families. This charity event will be held on Friday, June 24th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Westmoreland County Blind Association parking lot at 911 South Main Street, Greensburg, PA.

These uniquely special individuals with their staff members diligently work so hard on baking products to sell such as pepperoni rolls, cookies, breads, fudge as well as hot dogs and haluski. Their biggest excitement and fulfillment comes from knowing that they are helping underprivileged or less fortunate individuals. Please consider joining us for this event to partner with some of the most selfless and amazing individuals.

The Adult Training Facility, which was started in 2008, is where individuals (20-60 years old) with intellectual disabilities work with a dedicated team to learn a variety of skills essential to everyday living. The WCBA offers the ATF consumer educational experiences, social development, daily living and survival skills, as well as vocational and prevocational training. Our consumers learn personal hygiene; basic household skills like cooking and laundry; social and community awareness through frequent field trips and participating in charitable work.

Congratulations to our colleague, Clyde Bittner on being nominated for the 2016 Peter J. Salmon Employee of the Year Award. Each year, National Industries for the Blind (NIB) honors an individual who is blind and employed in NIB’s network of associated nonprofit agencies. Clyde was nominated based upon his qualifications and accomplishments measured by criteria established by NIB’s Board of Directors. We here at WCBA, are PROUD to call Clyde our co-worker but more importantly our friend!